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About the Author

Rabbi Yaakov Salomon, C.S.W. is a noted psychotherapist, in private practice in Brooklyn, N.Y. for over 25 years. He is a Senior Lecturer and the Creative Director of Aish Hatorah's Discovery Productions. He is also an editor and author for the Artscroll Publishing Series and a member of the Kollel of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath.

In these marvelous stories -- brimming with wit, understanding, a touch of irony and a large helping of authentic Torah perspective -- we will walk with a renowned and experienced psychotherapist and popular author through the pathways of contemporary life: its crowded sidewalks, its pedestrian malls, and the occasional dead end street. This is a walk through our lives that will be fun, entertaining -- and eye-opening. In our full -- sometimes overfull -- and complex lives, Yaakov Salomon is a welcome and much-needed voice of sanity and reason.

His speaking, writing and musical talents have delighted audiences from Harvard to Broadway and everything in between. Rabbi Salomon shares his life with his wife, Temmy, and their unpredictable family.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 12

(12)
Zissi,
July 11, 2007 9:29 PM

We need to grow up

We need to grow up and take responsibilty for our lives. People need to stop blaming others for their mistakes.

(11)
Margarita,
June 13, 2007 5:16 AM

the culture

I think it's about time we stop buying the gossip magazines, and look at real news and real things. We never celebrate the life of hero, but if there is a murderer there are so much support opens up right away. Culture which celebrates wrong thing, which understands terrorists, which supports murderers but does nothing for victims that is the culture that will allow those law suits.

(10)
Anonymous,
June 8, 2007 12:40 PM

Thank you for this excellent piece! Couldn't agree with this more!

(9)
Sarah,
June 7, 2007 2:40 PM

Wow! I always like these videos but this is the first time I've heard ANYONE bring this up in such a brilliant way.

Keep it up!

(8)
Anonymous,
June 6, 2007 6:29 PM

blame game

Thank-you for this insight. As a teacher I see this all the time. Parents always blame the teacher or other children for their child's difficulties. But I also feel I can be guilty of this, too. Things that do not go right I find excuses to blame others. This made me think!

(7)
Anonymous,
June 6, 2007 2:55 AM

I did look in the mirror as you suggested and didn't like what I saw. Itrust you agree with me that's your fault. You told me after all to look in the mirror.>

(6)
J. D. Adam,
June 5, 2007 4:46 PM

May your voice be heard by many!

A self-created accidental death is hard on any family, the grief and shock are over-whelming. Friends and faith are there to comfort us. Where will this man receive comfort if all he can do is make other people's lives painful?

(5)
mark troughton,
June 5, 2007 11:08 AM

nothing new under the sun

Proverbs 29.6 If a wise man goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.

(4)
Fernando Ocumare,
June 5, 2007 1:02 AM

Thank you Rabbi

Rabbi Yaakov Salomon, Thank you for this amazing lesson. This is, I guess, something I needed to hear. Sometimes we know that we are doing many things wrong and just don't have the will to stop until G-D takes you to somebody who'll give the light you need to better yourself. Again, thank you very much Rabbi Salomon !!!!!!!!!

Fernando Ocumare

(3)
Zissi,
June 3, 2007 9:04 PM

Well said

You hit the nail right on the head. People don't take enough responsibilty for their actions. Everyone cops out at the slightest discomfort.

(2)
Anonymous,
June 3, 2007 12:44 PM

GREAT!!!!!

As Dr. Phil always says....OWN IT!!!!!!! If it's your problem...stand up to it & yes own it!!!! Great video.....it also shows that people are lacking something crtical in their lives. Especially if they drink & are addicted to drugs and they are famous....I guess $$$$$ isn't always the answer!!!!!

(1)
Rosen,
June 3, 2007 7:57 AM

Well said!

That's a very important thing to remember - not to blame others except for one's self if his/her actions are the direct impact of what happens. My mom suggests that the reason why the world is filled with conflict and hatred is because people always judge one another too harshly. Furthermore, scapegoating is no stranger to this, as we have seen it throughout history of anti-semitism, among other single-outs. Therefore, it is better to be honest and upfront about one's actions, than blame others as an excuse. The more people acknowledge their own imperfections and shortcomings, the better society can develop into a better world.